Expanded Outdoor Seating Will Continue For Some Greensboro Businesses

Greensboro City Council approved a measure this week that allows some businesses to continue outdoor dining.

City leaders put an ordinance in place last year to help restaurants during the pandemic.

Greensboro City Council reviewed a modified version of the measure and voted unanimously to continue letting downtown businesses keep their expanded outdoor seating.

Any street or sidewalk café that wants to offer it can apply for a permit, as long as they sell food that's to be eaten on the premises. Some rules will also apply, including keeping a section clear for pedestrian and fire access.

Jessica Arce with M'Coul's Public House on McGee Street says it's a boon for many of her downtown neighbors.

“A lot of them don't have established patios, so to have their outdoor spaces expanded, for people who aren't comfortable dining inside, to have that extra outdoor space is a good thing," says Arce. "It helps them maybe stay in business.”

If the city approves the permit, it will be granted for two years beginning on the first day of the month following the date of issuance.

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